Gladdie 21 " Of Sunshine Helen Jensen For George Borgfelt Biscaloid 1928
Item History & Price
Gladdie 21" of Sunshine! Gladdie Designed by Helen Jensen – American Art Character Doll Circa 1929 21" (53 cm.) Earthenware sculpted head with flanged neck and sculpted short curly golden hair, with disheveled bangs showcasing her small blue glass sleep eyes. Marketed as “Biscaloid” the head is painted to look like Celluloid or composition but made of earthenware.The beautiful flesh toned complexion is complemented by the brown shadowing around the eyes. Gladdie has a s...mile one could drown in, an open/closed mouth with molded teeth and tongue. Delicately accented nostrils and dimples at the corners of her smile! She is an uncommon delicately painted example of this rare and desirable doll that is often over colorfully painted. Her torso is cloth, still firmly stuffed with disc jointed full composition arms and legs (possibly repainted), and a nonworking crier that had left the usual rust outline on body. There are small mends to the cloth body near the arm joints. She wears her matching coat, dress and bonnet as well as panties possibly factory. Her socks and shoes are period if not factory but falling apart. Her sleeveless blouse is mommy made. Condition: Marks: Gladdie Copyright by Helen W. Jensen Germany. Slight rubs to hair at top back of head, No chips cracks etc. visible to head. Compo limbs look to have had repaint and remains of a child’s manicure. She is one of the nicest Gladdie’s I have seen. Her painting is delicately applied and not at all heavy handed, garish or harsh.
FYI: Gladdie was first offered by George Borgfeld in his 1929 catalogue and was the only doll known to be made by the artist Helen Webster Jensen. Gladdie is a portrait of her then 2 year old daughter. Gladdie was produced in both earthenware and bisque. Sometimes collectors refer to Gladdie as “the Laughing Child”.
· Helen Webster Jensen, America Sculptor· Born; 1896 Chicago, IL· Studied at the Art Institute of Chicago where she met and married sculptor Holges Jensen.· Moved to California 1928 where they created multiple works for Municipalities and the famous gorilla bronzes of the San Diego Zoo. In the 1970’s The Jensens moved to Centralia Washington.· Died: 1990 Seattle, WA I am a collector of mainly early German bisque dolls and though I have a smattering of acquisitions that deviate from that specialty, I stay in the antique porcelain bisque arena. Gladdie recently came to me through an estate sale. She is a precious, lovely and sweet little girl looking for a good home. If you are the winner and are unhappy with your Gladdie I offer 15-day money back guaranty to her buyer when returned undamaged. Buyer is responsible for proper shipping practices and all return costs including, boxing, postage and insurance. Shipping to USA only. Shipping US
FYI: Gladdie was first offered by George Borgfeld in his 1929 catalogue and was the only doll known to be made by the artist Helen Webster Jensen. Gladdie is a portrait of her then 2 year old daughter. Gladdie was produced in both earthenware and bisque. Sometimes collectors refer to Gladdie as “the Laughing Child”.
· Helen Webster Jensen, America Sculptor· Born; 1896 Chicago, IL· Studied at the Art Institute of Chicago where she met and married sculptor Holges Jensen.· Moved to California 1928 where they created multiple works for Municipalities and the famous gorilla bronzes of the San Diego Zoo. In the 1970’s The Jensens moved to Centralia Washington.· Died: 1990 Seattle, WA I am a collector of mainly early German bisque dolls and though I have a smattering of acquisitions that deviate from that specialty, I stay in the antique porcelain bisque arena. Gladdie recently came to me through an estate sale. She is a precious, lovely and sweet little girl looking for a good home. If you are the winner and are unhappy with your Gladdie I offer 15-day money back guaranty to her buyer when returned undamaged. Buyer is responsible for proper shipping practices and all return costs including, boxing, postage and insurance. Shipping to USA only. Shipping US
